Let the dust settle

Feifei Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei but I’m not sure where Neil is.

Neil Sorry I’m late. It’s going a bit crazy out there in the office.

Feifei Crazy?

Neil Yes. Everybody is arguing and shouting.

Feifei About what exactly?

Neil The mess in the office. The boss says it’s untidy and we should clear up after ourselves. He even said that my desk was like a pigsty!

Feifei Hmmm, well you’d better stay in here and keep out of the way until things have calmed down.

Neil Good idea - I’ll just let the dust settle.

Feifei Oh, so the office is messy and dusty - is that what everyone’s arguing about - the dust?

Neil No Feifei, I just mean I’ll wait for the situation to calm down.

Feifei Got it! So, you’re just keeping out of the way - are you scared?

Neil Of course not. I just wanted to hear these examples…

Examples We’ve had lots of complaints about the changes but let’s wait until the dust settles before we respond.

We’re busy moving house at the moment but I’ll give you a call when the dust settles.

Now the dust has settled after the restructuring, I think we can talk about recruitment.

Feifei This is The English We Speak from the BBC and we’re finding out about the phrase ‘let the dust settle’, which means to ‘wait for a situation to calm down’.

Neil We can also say ‘wait for the dust to settle’ - which is what I’m doing right now.

Feifei Neil, I have a feeling you’re just avoiding the situation for one reason.

Neil Oh yeah, what’s that?

Feifei Look out there. They’re all pointing at your desk. They’re not arguing about a messy office. They’re complaining about your mess.

Neil Really. Well, I like to work in a messy environment.

Feifei Maybe, but I don’t think the dust is ever going to settle in this argument.

Neil OK. But I think I’ll stay in here for just a little longer.

Both Bye.